Samsung Introduces the SHW-M100S Android phone, Runs 2.1 & Touchwiz

Say hello to the Samsung SHW-M100S, Samsung's latest Android smartphone and their first to run Android 2.1. This puppy looks to be a good one with a 3.7-inch AMOLED screen, 800 MHz processor, 5-megapixel camera with 720p video recording, 3.5mm headphone jack, DivX support, and your usual slew of connectivity options. Nice, right?

But it ain't perfect. Why? Because the M100s runs Samsung's much maligned TouchWiz UI which basically strips Android of its character without adding anything worthwhile. The M100S will also only launch on SK Telecom and with no word of a global release we have no idea if we'll actually ever see it here in the US. But at the very least, it's good to see manufacturers launch an Android phone with 2.1 already onboard. The wait for 2.1 has definitely been too long.

China Mobile's Ophone gets updated, supports Windows Mobile API

This is incredibly odd. China Mobile's Ophone platform, which is based off Android, just received an update from 1.5 to 2.0. That's great because it gives Ophone users new features like voice recognition and SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) support. But that's not odd part. The odd part is that the update to the Ophone platform will also include support for Windows Mobile API. Android and Windows Mobile sitting in a tree?

We wish we could tell you what it all exactly means but we're just guessing that the Ophone platform will be able to run Windows Mobile apps in some way or fashion. If this all works out on the Ophone platform we wonder if it can trickle down to other Android-based platforms. We'll be sure to keep an eye on this. It's just too interesting not to.

If there were to be a name change for the myTouch 3G 1.2, it's looking like it might be the myTouch 3G+. That name has been spotted in Best Buy inventory screens and flows a lot nicer than myTouch 3g 1.2. There's rumors for more RAM onboard on the updated myTouch 3G and we think myTouch 3G+ emphasizes that better.

Are any of you guys still interested in the myTouch 3G or is it all Nexus One, all the time?

Motorola Devour already fondled, apparently has a few tricks in store

The folks at AndoridSpin managed to get their hands on the Motorola Devour apparently right as Verizon announced it. And while we don't get a look at anything actually running on the screen, they apparently were told that the Devour "has some tricks up its sleeves," including some sort of IR integration with home electronics. And let's face it: With a mere 3.1-inch screen and other specs that aren't near the top end, it's going to need a leg up. [AndroidSpin]

Another Moto Zeppelin appears in Brazil

What's this? Another Motorola Zeppelin? That's apparently the case, according to Gizmodo Brazil. They scored what they says is basically a Moto Backflip (see our hands-on) sans keyboard (which is what makes it a "backflip," but whatever).

This guy is said to be running Android 1.5 with MotoBLUR. Other than that, no real specs, and no idea if this will be a South American special or if we'll see it elsewhere, though a March launch is noted. More pics at Giz Brazil (translated). [via Giz U.S.]

The Weather Channel pimping Android app during broadcasts

Looks like this Android thing is catching on. The Weather Channel has long had an app in the Android Market, but now they're pimping it on-air. The QR code (more on those here) you see above (which works even in this low-res screenshot, by the way) points to TWC's app in the Market, and they're showing it at 20 minutes after the hour throughout the day. Video of it in action after the break. [via Androinica]

Verizon announces Motorola Devour

Well will you look at that. We unveil the specs on the Verizon's Motorola Devour, and then Verizon decides to go ahead and announce the thing. And things are pretty much as we've already told you. 3.1-inch capacitive touchscreen at 320x480, optical trackpad, Android 1.6 with MotoBLUR, 1400 mAh battery, an 8GB microSD card already installed.

Weight is now listed at 5.89 ounces, so that brings it in under the Droid's 6 ounces, for those of you who were worried about that.

The Devour will be available in March for an as-yet undisclosed price. Full presser and one more pic after the break.

Hands-on with the Nexus One multitouch

If you're waiting patiently for your Nexus One multitouch update to roll in and haven't used the manual update method, here's a look at what you're missing. Multitouch on the Nexus One, for all intents and purposes, is the same as multitouch anywhere else (any by that we mean the iPhone, natch). Pinch to zoom, spread your fingers to zoom out. There's a slightly weird elasticity to it -- the motion continues slightly after your fingers have stopped. We wouldn't call it a bug; it's just a noticeable difference.

One thing we didn't look at here is the new Desktop Dock setting because, well, there's not much to show. When you first pair with the dock, it asks whether you want to, by default, stream music through it when connected. That's all the new setting does.

Anyhoo, peep the video after the break, along with a before-and-after look at the system profile, if you're into that sort of thing. Then head into our forums to discuss the update.

Android Phones Get Their Screens Compared, Which is the Best ?

Android devices all have large, clear screens that are amazingly video-friendly. Sure, the Nexus One and Droid took it to the next level but for the most part, Android screens have been pretty awesome. So did you ever wonder which Android device had the best screen? We sure did.

AndroidHD attempts to answer that question by gathering 6 Android devices together for your viewing pleasure. Specifically, they've pitted the T-Mobile myTouch 3G, European HTC Hero, Motorola Droid, Samsung Galaxy, Nexus One, and Acer Liquid side by side in a video demo, so you can be the judge on who has the best screen.

The video is available after the jump and by our eyes, the order goes: Nexus One, Droid, Liquid, Galaxy, Hero, & myTouch 3G. And though the Nexus One wins, there were some instances when the picture seemed too 'red'. Be sure to let us know which Android phone you think has the best screen in the comments!

Google Will Introduce Phone Support for the Nexus One

Google is currently looking for a customer phone support expert to manage a new Phone Support team for Android/Nexus One. Which means, yep, Customer Phone Support will finally be available to Nexus One users. To quote Google on the job responsibility of the Phone Support Program Manager:

[The position will be] responsible for ramping up and managing operations of Google’s telephone support for our direct-to-consumer Android/Nexus One customers.

The previous way of finding help regarding your Nexus One's problems (and oh there were problems) was to scathe through FAQs, tirelessly make forum posts, contact via e-mail, google it, and hope and pray for a solution. That's all fine and dandy when your product is a webapp that is free, simple and to the point but when you're actually dealing with complicated hardware that people paid a lot of money for, more in-depth customer support tends to be expected.

Did The T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Edition Really Sell Out ?

Did the recently released limited edition T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender really just sell out? Tmonews just received the slide above which specifically states that the myTouch 3G Fender Edition is no longer available to existing customers that want to upgrade to the device (it also states the the black myTouch 3G will also be unavailable for upgrade). The rumored reason floating around is that that the myTouch 3G Fender is out of stock at the warehouse. Meaning, yes, it is selling out.

It's a little hard to believe because as much as we liked the phone when we did our hands-on, it's still a generation behind the likes of the Nexus One. Did that many people actually pass on the Nexus One and went for the myTouch 3G Fender Edition instead? Was demand that high? Is this real? Did T-Mobile only make 1,000 units? We feel like there has to be more explanation to this story.

What do you guys think? Could the T-Mobile myTouch 3G Fender Edition really have sold out that fast?

They're actually testing the full Firefox interface on Android right now, as it's much more complex than Fennec/Firefox Mobile. The understanding is if full Firefox works, Firefox Mobile would work too. And plus, if Android hits netbooks or tablet devices, full Firefox may be better suited for use on those devices. They're still not even ready to deliver an alpha release but they're certainly a little closer than they were yesterday.

How to manually update your Nexus One

If you're the type who just can't wait for an update to be pushed out (erm, like some of us around here), you're in luck. You can manually apply today's update to your Nexus One, enabling multitouch and (hopefully) fixing that pesky T-Mobile 3G issue. Here's how to do it: [via Android Forums]

Rename the file to update.zip. Note that if you're using Windows, just rename it to "update" (no quotes, of course) because it's already a zipped file.

Copy the update.zip file onto your microSD card.

With your Nexus One off, hold down the trackball and press the power button.

You'll be booted into a white screen with three Android robots on skateboards. Select "Bootloader."

On the next screen, select "Recovery."

Your phone will reboot, giving you a picture of the Android robot and an exclamation point inside a triangle.

Now press the power button and volume up button at the same time. It could take a couple of tries.

Now (using the trackball this time) choose "Apply sdcard:update.zip" and let things run their course.

You may have to soft reset a couple of times after this. (I got a picture of the Android guy outside of a box. But a couple resets later and all was well.) But now multitouch is enabled, and we can sit back and relax, knowing that we have zero patience and just can't help ourselves.

Motorola Devour specs: 3.1-inch screen, Android 1.6, MotorBLUR

We brought you the promotional packaging for the Motorola Devour. But how would you like some specs? Here we go with the phone formerly known as the Calgary, which we're expecting on Verizon anytime now. (Yes, that's a Droid in the picture above. We're told that's just a placeholder.)

The biggies: Android 1.6 (Donut) with MotoBLUR. A 3.1-inch touchscreen (320x480). 3MP camera. Verizon is requiring a data plan, and the $350 early termination fee is in effect. It comes with an 8GB microSD card.

Still no word on price or when it will go on sale, but we're told it could be anytime now. There's a better breakdown and more screenies after the break.

Google Maps is being updated to sync starred items and search suggestions with the desktop version, and it automatically switches to night mode in Navigation to make it easier to read.

The aforementioned 3G fix.

And pinch-to-zoom. (Squee!) Yes, multitouch in the browser, gallery and maps.

Keep an eye on your notifications bar, which is where you'll be alerted that the update is ready for you. Google says it will be rolled out gradually (sorry, that's just the way it is), and that you might not get the update until the end of the week. Let us know if and when you get it! [Google]

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